Road rage of more concern to the over 55’s

Motorists aged 55 or over are far more concerned about the traumatic effects of road rage and car jacking than their younger counterparts but around 90% of policies do not provide cover for these areas, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Defaqto.

91% of comprehensive motor insurance policies do not include cover for road rage
92% of comprehensive motor insurance policies do not include cover for car jacking

Mike Powell, Insight Analyst for General Insurance at Defaqto said "While the effects of a car jacking or road rage incident can vary widely, many victims may suffer personal injury and require trauma counselling as well as being out of pocket for other expenses incurred as a direct result of the incident".

Mr Powell added: "Consumers should check the detail of their policies if this is an area they are concerned about. For example, some policies provide cover for medical expenses and trauma counselling, while others include other benefits such as emergency dental treatment or daily cash benefit for each 24-hours a policyholder is hospitalised."

Mr Powell continued: "Although there are varying levels of benefits and cover provided following a car jacking or road rage incident, always be aware of the policy exclusions applicable for these covers. A typical exclusion is if the assault is by a relative or person known to the insured and a specific exclusion that is applicable to road rage cover is if the incident is proven to have been initiated by the policyholder."

Defaqto currently provides Star Ratings for motor insurance policies. Consumers can use Defaqto Star Ratings as a guide to help them choose the overall level of features and benefits offered by motor insurance policies. Policies offering a basic level of features and benefits would be rated as 1 Star and those with the most comprehensive range of benefits a 4 or a 5 Star. defaqto.com/stars